December 5, 2017 Colorado Mountain Club welcomes you to the Backcountry Ski Touring School (BSTS) Lecture Agenda: 6:30 Introduction Joan Rossiter, BSTS Director 6:40 Avalanche Safety Introduction Linda Lawson 7:10 First station 7:40 Second Station 8:10 Third Station 8:40 Meet your instructor 8:55 End (See handouts for additional information on conditioning, winter survival, waxing, etc.) Equipment information What to rent, tips for the shop: Getting equipment reserved in December will ensure a good time skiing in January! Before leaving the shop, try on boots, have them show you how to attach and release the boot to the binding and how to adjust the pole straps. First field day - Breckenridge Nordic Center. January 6, 7, 9. Light touring skis or backcountry skis without metal edges, appropriate for skiing the track at Breckenridge Nordic Center. Waxless. (Equipment is available for rent at the Nordic centers at a discounted rate of $15.) The trail fee for the Breckenridge Nordic Center trail is included with your registration. Second field day January 13, 14, 16 Chosen by your instructor. (If you are going to a ski area bunny hill, you will need a lift ticket., at no cost to you) Backcountry skis with metal edges. Ski leashes required at all downhill resorts. (Not telemark ski gear, no skins.) Waxless preferred. Third field day January 20, 21, 23 On a backcountry trail unless directed by instructor Backcountry touring skis with metal edges. (Not telemark gear, no skins.) Waxless preferred. Field Day #1 Bring food, water and clothing layers Meeting Location for the First Day: Wooly Mammoth lot Park n Ride (North end across from the Conoco Station) at the Morrison exit off I-70. If you take I-70 westbound and exit onto Morrison Road, turn right and then immediately left. The lot will be on the left. Your instructor will provide the specific section letters designated to meet. Saturday and Sunday Students: Meet at 6:15 a.m. We will form carpools and leave for the Breckenridge Nordic Center by 6:30 a.m. Alternatively, you can meet your instructor at the BNC at 8:30 a.m. if confirmed in advance. Tuesday Students: Meet at 7:30 a.m. We will form carpools and leave for the Breckenridge Nordic Center by 7:45 a.m. If you are able to drive, let your instructor know and please come with your ski rack on your car. Questions? Problems? Please call your instructor. 1
BSTS Handouts Table of Contents Cross Country Ski Rentals. 3 Avalanche Education... 4 Nordic Clothing......... 7 Pack Gear..... 9 Ski Equipment... 11 Personal Hygiene..... 12 Additional Backcountry Ski Touring School Handouts are posted at https://www.hikingdenver.net/schools/backcountryskitouringschool or http://bit.ly/2auydxm 2
Cross Country Ski Rentals First Day: - Breckenridge Nordic Center Rentals at Nordic Center - $17 - OR - REI (see details below) Second and Third Days REI (Reservations are strongly advised) REI Flagship Location REI.com 1410 Platte Street, Denver (303) 756-3100 (Note: the Lakewood REI location no longer rents cross-country skis) Nordic Package Rentals (skis, boots, and poles) (includes pick-up and return days): Traditional Equipment for Track Skis (First day only Nordic Center) $24 per day REI Member /$32 per day Non-REI Member Backcountry Equipment with Metal Edge (backcountry and downhill days) $32 per day REI Member /$40 per day Non-REI Member o Policies: Pickup equipment on Friday and return on Sunday = 1 day rental charge (skis may be rented for additional days at substantially lower costs for the additional days). Mention you are with the CMC School. If you are going to a downhill area on day 2, make sure you let them know you need leashes for your skis they should supply binding that allows you to leash your skis and the leashes. REI recommends making reservations in advance. We recommend you make your reservations in December and call to confirm your reservations on the Monday before the pick-up date. 3
AVALANCHE EDUCATION BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOURING SCHOOL BSTS 2017/2018 Sources: AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course, CAIC Website 1. What is an avalanche? Avalanches come in a variety of shapes, sizes, depths and the term includes loose snow slides, slab avalanches, wet avalanches, ice avalanches and cornice collapses. No matter the term used, an avalanche is a mass of snow or ice released from point and traveling down slope. Slab avalanches cause the most accidents due to size.. 2. What causes an avalanche? Avalanches require 3 components: - Terrain - Snow pack - Weather The 3 components of an avalanche need a trigger which can be humans, animals or environmental. Not all avalanches are hazardous. An avalanche that does not damage life, property or terrain is not hazardous. 3. Where do avalanches occur? Terrain slopes of 25 45 degrees avalanche most frequently because as the weight of the snowpack increases, whether by new snowfall or by wind blown snow on previous snow layers, the slope is unable to hold the weight of the snow pack. Generally, slopes above 45 degrees are too steep to hold the snow pack and those below 25 degrees are not steep enough to release. But, under the right conditions any slope can slide. The most prevalent slope angles on which avalanches have occurred are 30 45 degrees with 38 degrees being the slope angle on which most slab avalanches have occurred. Avalanches can occur naturally or can be triggered below tree line, at tree line or above tree line; however, avalanches tend to release above tree line and run down slope into tree line and take out trees, forests, buildings and can gouge terrain. Avalanches are described by both size relative to the path of the avalanche (R value) and destructive nature (D value) R 1 very small R2 small 3 medium 4 large 5 major/maxium D1 too small to injure or bury a person, 2 - could bury, injury or kill a person, 3 could bury or destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a small building and break trees 4 could destroy a truck, railway car, several buildings and a forest up to 10 acres 5 could destroy a village or a forest of 100 acres or more The direction the slope is facing is termed aspect. The avalanche forecasts will use this term indicating avalanche danger is greater on a particular aspect. Look above you when traveling to determine the slope and aspect that may pose danger. 4
4. When do avalanches occur? Avalanche danger increases with snowstorms, warming temperatures and winds loading slopes with snow. Avalanche activity in the past 48 hours signals instability in the snowpack in the area. Indications of recent avalanche activity include old crown lines (top of the area where avalanche started), debris (large blocks of snow/ice or lumpy mounds of snow at toe (end) of avalanche run out path. Whumpfing sounds or shooting cracks from underfoot, or under a snowmobile, occur when a weak snow layer collapses under additional weight. 5. What are clues to unstable snow pack? Fresh avalanches in the area indicating there have been unstable snow, terrain and weather conditions and a trigger for the avalanches to take place. Some of the clues to non-cohesive snow pack are listed in the response to Q4: whumpfing sound, cracks shooting out from under foot or from under a snowmobile. Digging a snow pit is no longer considered a stability test, but an educational test to understand how the actual layers over time are referred to in an avalanche bulletin. Looking at the back side of trees to see if limbs have been broken by past avalanches is also a message that avalanches have taken place in specific terrain. The snow pack around rock bands can become more unstable because the sun will heat the rock and the warmth of the rock will melt the snow resulting in less stable snow pack around the rock. 6. Can I keep from getting caught in an avalanche? By educating yourself through reading, on-line videos and schools you should be able to avoid avalanches by recognizing avalanche prone terrain and avoiding it. Travel in non-prone avalanche territory (ridges, slope angles less than 25 degrees, where there are dense forests, and no cornices). There is inherent risk in all sports. If you decide to travel in avalanche prone terrain using specific techniques your risk will be diminished but not eliminated: Climb, descend or cross avalanche areas or areas where avalanche prone terrain is above you by crossing one participant at a time. Each participant crosses fully and gets to non-prone avalanche terrain and only then does the next participant start across the path. Climb or descend a slope at the edge of a slope where there are trees if possible. Turn back if you observe avalanche risk factors along your route or find an alternative route. Use a trip plan to establish your trip and identify and agree upon no go zones prior to the trailhead arrival. 5
7. What action should be taken if I find myself caught in an avalanche? The first action is to try to get to the edge of the avalanche path, close to large trees where you can grab onto a tree or a rock. It is recommended that those caught in an avalanche use a swimming motion in an attempt to stay on top of the avalanche. Having your hands in the ski/snowshoe pole straps would hinder swimming motion therefore it is recommended you try to rid yourself of the poles. Once the avalanche stops moving those caught should try to reach the surface and make an air pocket in front of their face. 8. What rescue gear should I carry? If you have had education on avalanche rescue and travel in avalanche terrain you should carry a beacon, probe, and shovel. But these tools are of no value unless others in your party are also carrying them and have training how to use them and have PRACTICED beacon search, strategic shoveling, etc. 9. How can I learn of current avalanche conditions? Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) forecasts avalanche conditions by mountain ranges within the state. The forecasts are for the next 24 hours. You need to review the forecast each day to understand trends that will change the snowpack you travel on tomorrow. http://avalanche.state.co.us/ What Is the Colorado Avalanche Information Center? The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is a program within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Executive Director s Office. The mission of the CAIC is to provide avalanche information, education and promote research for the protection of life, property and the enhancement of the state s economy. See http://avalanche.state.co.us/ The CAIC is staffed by experienced avalanche forecasters who monitor snowpack, weather and avalanche conditions in the mountains by mountain ranges. Forecasts are usually for the next 24 hour period. Avalanche Danger Scale Low: Moderate: Considerable: High: Extreme: Mostly stable snow. Isolated areas of unstable snow. Natural avalanches very unlikely. Human triggered avalanches unlikely. Unstable slabs possible on steep terrain. Natural avalanches unlikely. Human triggered avalanches possible. Unstable slabs probably on steep terrain. Natural avalanches possible. Human triggered avalanches probably. Unstable slabs likely on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural and human triggered avalanches likely. Extremely unstable slabs certain on most aspects and slope angles. Widespread natural and human triggered avalanches certain. Large destructive avalanches possible. 6
Nordic Skiing Dress for Success Objective: To learn how carrying and wearing proper clothing can add to skiing enjoyment by keeping a skier comfortable and safe in varying weather and terrain conditions. By layering clothing, skiers stay warm and dry and can easily adjust to changing conditions. At any given time during a ski trip, some clothing may be worn while other clothing may be inside the skier s backpack. Using a three-layer system, it is easy to stay comfortable and protected from the elements while skiing and resting. Wicking layer innermost layer, moves moisture (sweat) away from skin as water vapor. Dry skin stays warm. Made of polypropylene or other synthetic materials. Silk and wool are not as effective. Never cotton! Available in different weights light, mid, heavy. Midweight works well under many conditions. Usually worn throughout the ski trip, so be sure it is comfortable Includes panty or brief, long underwear, glove liners, sock liners, thin cap or Buff Warmth layer middle layer, has loft (air spaces) in which to trap the warmth from your body Made of fleece or wool. Never cotton! Down is risky because it loses its loft when wet. In warmer conditions, allows breezes to flow through to keep you from overheating In colder conditions, and in combination with the Wind layer, keeps you warm May be added or removed throughout the day as conditions change Includes jacket, sweater, pullover, fleece or wool pants, heavy socks, mittens, gloves, neck gaiter, thick hat, balaclava Wind layer outermost layer, keeps moisture (snow, rain) out, and traps warm air close to your body Made of very tightly woven or specially coated fabric, such as Gore-Tex, which allows water vapor from sweat to be expelled and prevents liquid moisture from rain or snow from entering. Never cotton! Prevents wind from removing warm air from the Warmth layer, and keeps water out. Dry skin stays warm. Head-to-toe coverage is important to prevent frostbite and super cooling from wind. Includes jacket hood or waterproof hat, shell jacket, shell pants, mitt covers, neoprene face mask, goggles, gaiters, boots Other important clothing considerations include: Did we say Never cotton? Cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet, leaving you vulnerable to dangerous cooling and hypothermia. Down clothing, such as jackets and pants are very lightweight and compactable. While down may not be the best for wearing while skiing, it may be useful to have in your pack as emergency gear. 7
Always check the weather forecast for the day! The CAIC website at http://avalanche.state.co.us/ has both weather and avalanche forecasts. Check temperature, wind conditions, and likelihood of precipitation. o When colder or snowy conditions are predicted, bring additional warm clothing, wear heavier weight long underwear, and ensure a head-to-toe Wind layer. o When warmer conditions are predicted, prevent excessive sweating with lighter weight long underwear. o When sunny conditions are predicted, protect skin from sunburn with clothing and with generously and frequently applied sun screen to exposed skin. Sun reflects up from snow, so be sure to protect skin under the chin and nose. Consider how terrain may affect what you wear. Will trees provide windbreak? Will steep elevation gain mean heavy exertion (and heat production), then subsequent cooling on the downhill runs? Sunglasses or goggles with 100% UV protection are critical to prevent sun burning of the eyes, a very painful condition. Anticipate temperature changes and consider clothing adjustments to prevent getting too cold or too hot o Add a layer when stopping for lunch, the inactivity will cool you down o Add a Wind layer when before starting down a long hill. The reduced exertion and increased air flow will cool you down o Remove a layer when starting up a long hill. The increased exertion will warm you up. Leave room in your day pack to accommodate clothing you may remove as you warm up from the exertion of skiing. Where to purchase clothing for Nordic skiing: There are many more options than those listed below, but these can get you started Online: Sierra Trading Post: www.sierratradingpost.com REI: www.rei.com Neptune Mountaineering: www.neptunemountaineering.com Patagonia: www.patagonia.com The North Face: www.thenorthface.com The Army Navy Store: www.armynavyshop.com LL Bean: www.llbean.com Around Denver & Colorado: REI stores in Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, Englewood, Colorado Springs, Ft Collins, Gr Junction Patagonia stores in Denver and Boulder Boulder Sports Recycler in Boulder The North Face stores in Denver and Boulder Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder Sierra Trading Post in Greenwood Village Target, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam s Club, Kohl s, etc. Thrift stores such as ARC Thrift Stores and Goodwill Yard sales 8
BSTS PACK GEAR Day 1- Breckenridge Nordic Center Balaclava Coat - Gortex, or similar Facemask Fleece Layers X2 Gloves, Heavy And Light Hand And Toe Warmer Packets Long Underwear Under Ski Pants Lunch & Snacks (Nordic Center Has Some Snacks And Drinks) Neck Gaiter Ski Hat Small Water Bottle (~500 Ml) Sunglasses Sunscreen Wind Pants Small Day Pack or fanny pack: Most of the above items can be left in the cars. If the weather changes during the day we can easily retrieve or return extra items. Day 2 - Downhill Day This depends on the location your instructor chooses. The gear list may be similar to Day1 or Day 3. Day 3 Backcountry skiing (Skiing when returning to the cars is not an option during the day. Ask your instructor about specifics.) List 1, Shorter Distances Balaclava Coat - Gortex, Or Similar Day Pack 30-40 Liter Size Duct Tape Extra Emergency Food 9
BSTS PACK GEAR - pg. 2 Face Mask Fleece Layers X2 Foam Pad Insulation, Small, For Emergencies, Eating Lunch Hand And Toe Warmer Packets Long Underwear Under Ski Pants Lunch Matches, Lighters Medications, Personal Mitten/Glove Liner Mittens/Gloves, Heavy And Light Ski Hat Ski Waxes If Required Sunglasses Sunscreen Toilet Paper With Plastic Bags For Used Tp Water/drinks, 1.5-2.0 liters in widemouth Nalgene bottles (not in Camelbacks), Thermos Wind Pants List 2, Personal Longer Distances After BSTS* - All items in List 1 Additional Food Avalanche Gear (Transceivers, Probes, etc.) Emergency Bivy Bag Emergency Locator Beacon (SPOT, DeLorme inreach, etc.) Extra Fleece Layer(s) Headlamp Navigation - Map & Compass, GPS Notepad & Pencil Parachute Cord (Binding Repairs) Repair Kit, Knife Shovel Space Blanket Spare Gloves, Socks Stove & Pot Trash Bags, Large (For Emergencies) *Many of these items require experience in usage. 10
BSTS - Information Regarding Skis TRACK SKI DAY 1. Track skis are light, skinny, straight with no metal edges. For length, one should, while standing, reach one arm straight up and measure the length at the break in the wrist. This will give you a general idea. NNN binding with boot to match - notice how the grooves in the binding match the grooves in the boots.* Boots are light weight, and should be comfortable, so you can wiggle your toes with extra socks on. Just like you would with a hiking boot, walk around in them to make sure they are comfortable. In the center bottom of waxless skis are ridges that look like fish scales. These are used to grip the snow so you can ski forward. On waxable skis one uses a wax in the bottom center of the skis; this is called a kick wax. It serves the same purpose as the scales. The pole lengths should be about up to the arm pit. The baskets are designed for track skiing at Nordic centers. The wrist strap should be adjustable. DOWNHILL DAY AND BACKCOUNTRY SKI DAYS 2. Backcountry touring skis are wider, heavier with metal edges. The ones we are using will have fish scales similar to the track skis. They have about a 10 cm side cut (wider at the tip and tails). Ski length would be about an inch or two shorter than for track skis. The bindings are NNNBC (backcountry) with matching boots. These will be heavier than track boots and bindings (NNN). The poles are usually about 1 or 2 inches shorter than those used for track skiing, and have bigger, rounded baskets for deeper snow. Sometimes adjustable poles are used to shorten or lengthen the poles for different backcountry conditions. The wrist strap should be adjustable. Backcountry boots are available in leather, plastic, or fabric. They must be compatible with your binding (NNNBC), and must be warm and comfortable so you can wiggle your toes with extra socks on. It is not necessary to fit as snuggly as downhill ski boots. Just like you would with a hiking boot, walk around in them to make sure they are comfortable. At the downhill resort (downhill day) we will have leashes, which are straps that connect the ski to the boots in case the ski comes off the boot. 3. Any questions? *Solomon has their SNS system, which has one large groove instead of two for NNN. Get the NNN boot/binding combination OR the SNS boot/binding combination. 11
PERSONAL HYGIENE From WTS Manual, Chapter 3 Nutrition and Hydration, by Lana Dolly, March 2008 Accomplishing personal hygiene in the backcountry can be a challenge, but every effort must be made to do so. Improper hygiene and waste disposal can contribute to health problems and have a significant, detrimental impact on the environment. But you can practice good hygiene in the wilderness with some advanced planning and the proper supplies. Basic Supplies These items can be kept in a small stuff sack in your pack: Ø Hand sanitizer Ø Pre-moistened wipes Basic Practices Ø Resealable plastic bags Ø Toilet paper and a trowel Ø Wash your hands frequently using the hand sanitizer it is lightweight and convenient. Ø Select a bathroom location that is at least 200 feet from water sources. Ø Urinate on bare ground or rocks animals are attracted to the salt in urine and could damage vegetation. Proper Waste Disposal There are two safe and ethical options for the disposal of human waste: burying it in a cat hole and packing it out. Cat Hole Burial Use your trowel to dig a hole that is six to eight inches deep (and at least 200 feet away from water sources). Mix your waste with soil using a small stick, and cover the hole thoroughly. Place used toilet paper and/or premoistened wipes in a plastic bag to carry out. Packing It Out An increasing number of heavily used land areas are requiring visitors to pack out their waste. There are now several commercial products available, including the Restop 2 and the Wag Bag. However, two resealable plastic bags can work just as effectively. Place one of the bags over your hand and scoop up the solid waste. Turn the bag inside out to envelope the waste, seal it, place it in the second bag, and seal that. The odor can be reduced by placing some kitty litter or a small square sponge saturated with ammonia in the first bag. Girl Talk All feminine hygiene products must be packed out, including those listed as biodegradable. In addition to the supplies listed above, you will need some small pieces of aluminum foil and some baking soda. Place the used product on a piece of foil and sprinkle with baking soda to hide the odor. Wrap it tightly and seal it in a plastic bag. Wash your hands with a pre-moistened wipe in addition to using hand sanitizer. 12
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